Automated injection device for administration of liquid medicament

ABSTRACT

An automated injection device for administration of one or more liquid medicaments that is particularly useful for self-administration of liquid medicaments such as those used to treat anaphylactic shock, heart attack, exposure to toxic agents, or other conditions may include a number of features designed to reduce both the size and complexity of the device. With reduced size, the device may provide greater convenience and portability. Importantly, the reduced size may encourage more users to carry the device, and thereby reduce the risks associated with the conditions mentioned above. With reduced complexity, the device can be constructed at a lower cost. Moreover, the device can be more reliable and simple to operate. In addition, the automated injection device may further include a wireless communication apparatus that may be activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US01/18734 having an international filing date of Jun. 8, 2001,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/589,962having a filing date of Jun. 8, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to automated injection devices foradministration of liquid medicaments.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Automated injection devices enable patients to administer adosage of liquid medicament for therapeutic purposes. An automatedinjection device may contain, for example, one or more liquidmedicaments effective in treating anaphylactic shock caused by severeallergic reactions to foods, insect stings, and the like. An example ofa liquid medicament suitable for treatment of anaphylactic shock isepinephrine. Automated injection devices that carry epinephrine aresometimes referred to as “EPI” injectors. Other types of injectiondevices may carry antiarrhythmic medicaments for administration during aheart attack, as well as antidotes to a variety of toxic agents, e.g.,for military applications.

[0004] Most automated injection devices of this type are designed forsingle use in an emergency situation. For this reason, extendedlongevity usually is a requirement. In particular, such devicestypically are constructed to contain a measured dosage of the liquidmedicament in a sealed and sterile environment over an extended periodof nonuse. The devices are designed for quick administration of theliquid medicament, often under the stress of shock. In many devices, aspring-loaded actuator facilitates automated injection without the needfor significant manual intervention by the patient. The patient merelyactuates a trigger that releases the spring-loaded actuator. Theactuator drives a needle into the patient's skin and quickly releasesthe liquid medicament. In this manner, there is no need for the patientto manually pierce the skin or operate a syringe for delivery of theliquid medicament. Often, the needle is not even visible to the patient.

[0005] The unpredictability of anaphylactic shock, heart attack, andother emergency medical conditions requires that the patient carry theautomated injection device at all times. Unfortunately, the size andweight of many automated injection devices makes them cumbersome andinconvenient to carry. A number of carrying cases, holsters, belts, andthe like have been devised to enhance the portability of automatedinjection devices. Still, the inconvenience associated with many devicescauses users to disregard medical risks, and simply leave the automatedinjection devices at home. This is particularly the case for usersengaged in active lifestyles involving high levels of physical activity.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention is directed to automated injection devicesfor administration of one or more liquid medicaments, and methods fortheir use. A device in accordance with the present invention may beparticularly useful for self-administration of liquid medicaments suchas those used to treat anaphylactic shock, heart attack, exposure totoxic agents, or other emergency medical conditions.

[0007] A device in accordance with the present invention may include anumber of features designed to reduce both the size and complexity ofthe device. With reduced size, the device may provide greaterconvenience and portability. Importantly, the reduced size may encouragemore users to carry the device, and thereby reduce the risks associatedwith the medical conditions mentioned above.

[0008] With reduced complexity, the device can be constructed at a lowercost. Moreover, the device can be more reliable and simple to operate.In some embodiments, the device can be made from recycled and recyclablematerials, reducing waste following use. The device preferably is madewater-resistant to promote longevity and durability to environmentalconditions. Also, in some embodiments, the device may be suitable foradministration of liquid medicaments on a non-emergency basis, e.g., toadminister insulin to diabetic patients.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an automatedinjection device comprising a reservoir, a needle in fluid communicationwith the reservoir, a piston member with a piston face positioned withinthe reservoir, a spring adjacent the piston member, and a loading memberthat is movable to compress the spring, the loading member permittingthe spring to expand following compression, whereby the expanding springdrives the piston member such that the piston face moves within thereservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides anautomated injection device comprising a housing having a first end and asecond end, the housing defining an opening at the second end, a pistonmember slidably mounted within the housing, a reservoir slidably mountedwithin the piston member, a needle in fluid communication with thereservoir, a piston mounted within the piston member with a piston facepositioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the pistonmember on a side of the piston member adjacent the first end of thehousing, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member towardthe first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, whereinthe piston member and the loading member are configured to permitrelative movement of the piston member and the loading member followingcompression of the spring, and the loading member defines a stop memberthat limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of thechamber, whereby the spring drives the piston member relative to theloading member and toward the second end of the housing, and the pistonmember drives the reservoir against the stop member such that continuedmovement of the piston member relative to the reservoir drives thepiston face through the reservoir and expels the contents of thereservoir through the needle.

[0011] In an added embodiment, the present invention provides a methodfor injection of a liquid medicament using a device having a reservoir,a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston member witha piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring that bearsagainst the piston member, and a loading member oriented to drive thepiston member to compress the spring, the piston member and the loadingmember being configured to permit relative movement when the compressedspring reaches a sufficient level of spring force, wherein a portion ofthe loading member extends outward from the device, the methodcomprising pushing the loading member against a patient to drive theloading member into the device and toward the piston member, therebycompressing the spring, wherein the spring expands to drive the pistonmember relative to the loading member and extend the needle outward fromthe device and drive the piston face to expel the contents of thereservoir through the needle.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a methodfor injection of a liquid medicament using a device having a housinghaving a first end and a second end, the housing defining an opening atthe second end, a piston member slidably mounted within the housing, areservoir slidably mounted within the piston member, a needle in fluidcommunication with the reservoir, a piston mounted within the pistonmember with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring thatbears against the piston member on a side of the piston member adjacentthe first end of the housing, and a loading member oriented to drive thepiston member toward the first end of the housing and thereby compressthe spring, wherein the piston member and the loading member areconfigured to permit relative movement when the compressed springreaches a sufficient level of spring force, the loading member defines astop member that limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end ofthe chamber, and a portion of the loading member extends outward fromthe opening, the method comprising pushing the loading member against apatient to drive the loading member into the device and toward thepiston member, thereby compressing the spring, wherein the springexpands to drive the piston member relative to the loading member andextend the needle outward from the opening and drive the piston face toexpel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention provides anautomated injection device comprising a reservoir, a needle in fluidcommunication with the reservoir, a piston member with a piston facepositioned within the reservoir, a spring adjacent the piston member,and a loading member that is movable to compress the spring and permitthe spring to expand following compression, the expanding spring drivingthe piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoirand expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle, wherein thepiston member and the reservoir partially overlap along a longitudinalextent of the device and are sized such that the device has a length ofless than or equal to approximately 3.0 inches and a width of less thanor equal to approximately 2.0 inches.

[0014] In an added embodiment, the present invention provides awireless-enabled injection device comprising an automated injectiondevice having a housing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, anda needle in fluid communication with the reservoir. The wireless-enabledinjection device also comprises a wireless communication apparatusaffixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communication apparatus isactivated to call for additional medical assistance when the automatedinjection device is deployed.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a methodfor injection of a liquid medicament using a wireless-enabled injectiondevice. The method comprises providing an automated injection devicehaving a housing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, a needle influid communication with the reservoir, and a wireless communicationapparatus affixed to the housing. The method further includes deployingthe automated injection device to expel the contents of the reservoirthrough the needle, and activating the wireless communication apparatusto transmit a signal when the automated injection device is deployed;

[0016] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are setforth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otherfeatures, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of an automated injectiondevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 4 is another end view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at afirst stage of operation;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at asecond stage of operation;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at athird stage of operation;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at afourth stage of operation;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a conceptual view of a housing for a device as shown inFIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 11 is another conceptual view of another housing for a deviceas shown in FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 12 is an additional conceptual view of another housing for adevice as shown in FIG. 1; and

[0029]FIG. 13 is another conceptual view of an added housing for adevice as shown in FIG. 1.

[0030]FIG. 14A shows an exploded view of an automated injection deviceof FIG. 1 having a wireless communication apparatus.

[0031]FIG. 14B shows another perspective view of the wirelesscommunication apparatus of FIG. 14A.

[0032]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the wireless communicationapparatus affixed to the automated injection device from FIG. 14A.

[0033]FIG. 16 shows the automated injection device of FIG. 14A with aprotective film affixed over the wireless communication apparatus.

[0034]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the automated injection devicefrom FIG. 14A with sections removed to better view the tail of thewireless communication apparatus inside the automated injection device.

[0035]FIG. 18 shows a process of events that enables the user to receiveemergency medical care after the automated injection device of FIG. 14Ais deployed.

[0036] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate likeelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037]FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of an automated injectiondevice 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 1, device 10 may include a housing 12 having a proximalend 14, a distal end 16, and a cap 18 mounted at the distal end. Housing12 contains appropriate components for containment and automateddelivery of liquid medicaments for injection to a user. Cap 18 protectsdistal end 16, which forms the operative end of device 10, when thedevice is not in use.

[0038] The user removes cap 18 prior to use. In the example of FIG. 1,cap 18 may include a tear-away strip 20 that couples the cap to housing12 at distal end 16. Strip 20 may be similar to the strips commonly usedwith caps for plastic milk cartons and the like, and provides a tab 21for grasping by the user. Cap 18 and strip 20 may be integrally moldedfrom plastic and coupled to the cap and housing 12 with a pair ofthinned, scribed, or perforated joints 22, 23 that extendcircumferentially about distal end 16 and promote tearing of the stripfrom the cap. Upon removal of strip 20, cap 18 is easily removable toexpose distal end 16.

[0039] With further reference to FIG. 1, housing 12 may be slightlyelongated, providing a length 24 that exceeds a width 26 and depth 28 ofdevice 10. In some embodiments, width 26 and depth 28 may be equivalent,particularly if device 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape andcircular cross-section. Housing 12 is susceptible to a number ofdifferent shapes and sizes. In general, housing 12 is constructed suchthat device 10 assumes a shape and size appropriate for convenientportability, e.g., in the shirt or pants pocket of the user. In someembodiments, as will be described, housing 12 may be constructed as akeychain fob and provided with appropriate coupling hardware formounting on a keyring or for receipt of keys.

[0040] In other embodiments, housing 12 can be constructed forconvenient storage in a portable holster, belt, or case, or forattachment to other portable devices such as mobile telephones, personaldigital assistants (PDA's), and the like. In each embodiment, however,housing 12 preferably is constructed with reduced size and portabilityas one of the primary design objectives, along with safety and efficacy.In this manner, device 10 may encourage more users to carry it, andthereby reduce the risks associated with anaphylactic shock, heartattack, exposure to toxic agents, and other conditions capable oftreatment with one or more liquid medicaments carried by device 10.

[0041]FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are side, first end, and second end views,respectively, of device 10 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5-9 are variouscross-sectional side views of device 10 during different stages of use.As shown in FIGS. 5-9, device 10 may include a reservoir 30, a needle32, a piston member 34, a spring 36, a loading member 38, and a piston44. Needle 32 is in fluid communication with reservoir 30, whichcontains a liquid medicament. In some embodiments, device 10 may includemultiple reservoirs or sub-divided reservoirs that enable containmentand automated injection of multiple liquid medicaments, if desired.

[0042] For anaphylactic shock, examples of suitable liquid medicamentscontained in reservoir 30 include epinephrine and atropine. For heartattacks, anti-arrhythmic medicaments may be contained within reservoir30. For exposure to toxic agents, a variety of liquid medicaments may beprovided in reservoir 30. Conceivably, other liquid medicaments such asinsulin could be provided for treatment of non-emergency conditions.

[0043] Needle 32 and spring 36 preferably are made of metal. The variouscomponents 30, 34, 38, 44 of device 10 can be constructed from durableplastics such as polyester. Piston member 34 and loading member 44preferably are made from plastics that provide a moderate degree offlexibility and elasticity. Such materials may be selected in part onthe basis of the suitability for recycling. Indeed, some of thecomponents, such as housing 12, can be made from recycled materials.Reservoir 30 and needle 32, which contain and transport the liquidmedicament, ordinarily will be manufactured from virgin materials due tosterility and biocompatibility concerns.

[0044] Reservoir 30 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, and mayinclude a small needle aperture 40 at one end for receipt of needle 32.Needle 32 may be mounted in aperture 40 with a biocompatible sealant toprevent leakage of reservoir 30. Another end of reservoir 30 may definea larger aperture 42 for receipt of piston 44. A gasket 46 fillsaperture 42, sealing it against leakage and contamination of the liquidmedicament. Piston gasket 46 defines an aperture, however, for receiptof a shaft 48 forming part of piston 44. A first piston face 50 extendsinto reservoir 30, while a second piston face 52 resides outside ofreservoir 30. Shaft 48 extends between piston faces 50, 52, and istranslatable within the aperture defined by gasket 46. In this manner,first piston face 50 is movable to drive liquid medicament out ofreservoir 30 and through needle 32 for injection into the user.

[0045] Piston 44 and reservoir 30 may be disposed within an innerchamber 54 defined by piston member 34. Piston member 34 acts as acarriage for travel of piston 44 and reservoir 30 within housing 12, aswell as an actuator for the piston to expel liquid medicament from thereservoir. In some embodiments, piston member 34 and piston 44 may beintegrally formed with one another, e.g., by molding. In the exampleillustrated in FIGS. 5-9, however, piston 44 and piston member 34 areseparate components. Second piston face 52 bears against an inner wallof inner chamber 54 such that downward movement of piston member 34urges piston 44 downward.

[0046] Housing 12 defines an outer chamber 56 sized to accommodatetravel of piston member 34, spring 36 and loading member 38 along thelength of device 10. Frictional engagement of the outer wall ofreservoir 30 with the inner wall of inner chamber 54 serves to carry thereservoir along with piston member 34 as it travels upward and downwardwithin outer chamber 56. Frictional engagement of shaft 48 of piston 44serves to carry it along with reservoir 30, and hence piston member 34,when the piston member moves upward within outer chamber 56.

[0047] Housing 12 may have a unitary construction or, as shown in FIGS.5-9, include two or more sub-sections 58, 60. Sub-sections 58, 60 can becoupled together by a number of techniques including adhesive bonds,ultrasonically welded bonds, threaded couplers, and frictional orsnap-fit arrangements. Housing 12 can be sealed with epoxy or otheradhesives to promote a substantially water-resistant seal, and ensurelongevity and durability of the device. In the example of FIGS. 5-9,sub-section 60 includes a radial flange 62 that is snap-fit into adetent 64 in sub-section 58 to couple the sub-sections together.Sub-sections 58, 60 may have different cross-sectional dimensions, ordifferent diameters in the embodiments in which they are circular incross-section.

[0048] First sub-section 58 may include a substantially cylindricalretention ring 66 that extends downward from proximal end 14 and retainsspring 36 against the inner wall of outer chamber 56. Retention ring 66may be integrally molded with housing sub-section 58. One end of spring36 bears against the interior of housing 12 at proximal end 14, whilethe other end bears against a flange 68 that extends radially outwardfrom piston member. A portion of spring 36 may surround an upper portion70 of piston member 34. In this manner, spring 36 is maintained inalignment relative to the inner wall of outer chamber 56 by retentionring 66 and upper portion 70 of piston member 34.

[0049] Loading member 38 can be constructed to include an outer wallthat defines another inner chamber 72. A raised inner wall 74 may defineboth an aperture 76 for needle 32 and a stop surface 78 for reservoir30. Needle 32 may reside within a protective sheath 79 prior to use. Atleast a portion of loading member 38 extends outward from distal end 16of device 10 for engagement with an injection site, such as the user'sthigh. Loading member 38 may have a flared lip 80 that flares radiallyoutward. Flared lip 80 may engage a detent 82 defined by secondsub-section 60 to retain loading member 38 within outer chamber 56 ofhousing 12. Flared lip 80 bears against a ramped lip 84 defined bypiston member 34.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, cap 18 can be removed from housing 12 bytearing away strip 20. In this manner, loading member 38 is exposed atdistal end 16 of device 10. Loading member 38 is movable upward againstthe bias produced by spring 36 to thereby load the spring and compressit, as shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, loading member 38 moves upwardwhen the user applies the loading member to an injection site withsufficient force to overcome the spring bias. In this manner, flared lip80 bears against ramped lip 84 of piston member 34 during upwardmovement of loading member 38 into outer chamber 56 of housing 12. Withfurther reference to FIG. 7, flange 68 of piston member 34, in turn,bears against spring 36, compressing it against its intrinsic bias asthe piston member travels upward.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, flared lip 80 eventually extends upward aboveanother detent 86 having a diameter that is greater than detent 82. Uponengagement with detent 86, flared lip 80 extends outward. Detent 86prevents loading member 38 from moving downward and, in effect, locksthe loading member into position. When flared lip 80 locks into detent86 and spring 36 generates a sufficient level of spring force, loadingmember 38 permits the spring to expand downward toward the injectionsite. In particular, loading member 38 and piston member 34 arecooperatively arranged such that flared lip 80 defines an aperture thatis initially sized smaller than piston member 34, but expands to permitsdownward movement of piston member 34, piston 44, reservoir 30, andneedle 32 in response to expansion of spring 36.

[0052] Flared lip 80 is biased inward by the inner wall of secondsub-section 60, which has a smaller diameter than first sub-section 58.Loading member 38 preferably is formed from a flexible and elasticmaterial, however, and expands outward when it reaches detent 86,increasing the size of the aperture defined by the loading member. Asmentioned above, loading member 38 can be constructed from a plasticmaterial such as polyester that provides degrees of both flexibility andelasticity. The increased size permits piston member 34 to extend intoinner chamber 72. When spring 36 reaches a sufficient level of springforce and flared lip 80 has reached detent 86, the spring exerts a biasback against piston member 34 that is sufficient to drive ramped lip 84against the flared lip, driving piston member 34 into loading member 38.Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, loading member 38 is radially enlarged topermit receipt of a portion of piston member 34 within chamber 72.

[0053] As spring 36 expands, it drives piston member 34, piston 44, andreservoir 30 downward together toward loading member 38. Followingengagement with detent 86, loading member 38 may be substantially flushwith the distal end 16 of device 10, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Aspiston member 34 and reservoir 30 travel downward, as shown in FIG. 8,needle 32 is driven through protective sheath 79. Protective sheath 79may be formed from a thin plastic or rubber material, such as polyester,polyurethane, silicone rubber, and the like. Needle 32 rupturesprotective sheath 79 and is exposed for entry into the injection site,e.g., in the user's thigh. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, portions of pistonmember 34 and reservoir 30 enter chamber 72 of loading member 38 andcontinue to travel until the reservoir abuts the stop surface 78. Atthat point, the spring bias exerted by spring 36 on piston member 34overcomes the frictional force exerted between reservoir 30 and thepiston member.

[0054] As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, piston member 34 is able tocontinue travel downward into chamber 72 of loading member 38. Reservoir30 stops traveling, however, and rests against stop surface 78. Afterreservoir 30 stops, piston 44 continues to travel with piston member 34,driving first piston face 50 through reservoir 30. First piston face 50thereby expels the liquid contents of the reservoir through needle 32,which is lodged in the injection site. Needle 32 preferably is driveninto the injection site under the initial spring force provided byspring 36, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0055] Insertion of needle 32 preferably requires no manual interventionby the user following the user's initial application of loading member38 to the injection site. Rather, spring 36 expands with sufficientforce to deploy needle 32 automatically following upward travel ofloading member 38 to detent 86. Thus, the user simply drives loadingmember 38 against the injection site, forcing it into housing 12. Thissimple act by the user starts a chain reaction of events that causescompression and then expansion of spring 36 to drive needle into theinjection site and expel the contents of reservoir 30. The relativesimplicity of the interaction between loading member 38, piston member34, piston 44, and reservoir 30 promotes reliability, which is aparamount concern given the application of device 10 to emergencymedical conditions.

[0056] An automated injection device constructed in a manner similar todevice 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 may provide quick, convenient, andautomated injection of liquid medicaments. In particular, operation ofsuch a device 10 merely requires application of loading member 38 to theinjection with sufficient force to drive the loading member upward intohousing 12. From that point forward, the operation of spring 36, pistonmember 34, piston 44, reservoir 30, and needle 32 is automatic, andresults in effective injection of the liquid medicament contained withinthe reservoir. As alternatives, an electrical or pneumatic actuationmechanism could be provided in lieu of spring 36. The arrangement of theinner components of device 10, i.e., piston member 34, piston 44,reservoir 30, needle 32, spring 36, and loading member 38 permits thedevice to be constructed at a reduced size.

[0057] In particular, such components are arranged to at least partiallyoverlap along the length of device 10, in periods of use and nonuse, torestrict the longitudinal length of device 10. As shown in FIG. 5, forexample, before device 10 is used, reservoir 30, piston 44, pistonmember 34, and spring 36 substantially overlap with one another and arecoaxially aligned along the longitudinal axis of housing 12. As aresult, the length of device 10 is reduced relative to arrangements inwhich such components would be disposed end-to-end within device housing12. An arrangement as shown in FIG. 5 provides substantial reductions inlength, while still providing automated convenience to the user. Withreduced size, a user is more likely to carry device 10 and thereby morelikely to survive a medical emergency that is treatable with the device.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 1, with the reduced size afforded bydevice 10, housing 12 and cap 18 together may have a length 24 in therange of approximately 2 to 3 inches and a diameter (or width 26 anddepth 28 in the case of a rectangular cross-section) in the range ofapproximately 1 to 2 inches. In one particular embodiment, device 10 hasa length in the range of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches and a diameterof approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches. More particularly, a device 10 isenvisioned having a length of approximately 2.75 inches and a diameterof approximately 1.25 inches, providing exceptional convenience andportability.

[0059] FIGS. 10-13 are a conceptual view of housings for automatedinjection devices as shown in FIG. 1. Although device 10 is shown inFIGS. 1-9 as having a substantially cylindrical shape, it may besusceptible to a number of different configurations designed to maintaina reduced size and suit the needs of individual users. FIG. 10, forexample, shows an automated injection device 88 that conformssubstantially to device 10 of FIGS. 1-9, but is configured as a key fobdevice. In particular, device 88 includes an integrated ring 90 forreceipt of keys or a keychain ring. Device 88 alternatively could beattached to a necklace or strap. As further alternatives, device 88could be coupled to an ankle or wrist bracelet or a zipper fob. In thismanner, the user may conveniently carry device 88 with his or her keys.Ring 90 may be integrally molded with housing 12, bonded to the housingvia adhesives or ultrasonic welding, or snap-fit into holes in thehousing. The size of device 88 may conform substantially to that ofdevice 10 as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0060]FIG. 11 is another conceptual view of a housing for a device asshown in FIG. 1. Device 92 of FIG. 11 may having a housing 94 that isintegrally molded with or attached to a platform 95. For example,housing 94 may taper upward and inward to merge with platform 95, asindicated by reference numeral 96. Platform 95 could be madesubstantially flat and planar and approximate the width of a creditcard. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, platform 95 includes attachmentwings 98, 100 that permit attachment of device 92 to another devicecarried by the user. For example, attachment wings 98, 100 can be formedfrom a flexible and somewhat elastic material, and configured to cliponto the sides of a PDA, e.g., a Palm or Windows CE device, or a mobiletelephone, indicated by reference numeral 102 and drawn with dashedlines. In this manner, automated device 92 mounts onto the back of adevice 102 that is already carried by the user, further promotingconvenience and portability.

[0061]FIG. 12 is an additional conceptual view of a housing for anautomated injection device as shown in FIG. 1. Automated injectiondevice 104 of FIG. 12 conforms substantially to device 10 of FIGS. 1-9,but further includes an integrated clip 105 having an arm 106 and aspacer 108. Clip 105 operates like the clip on a pen, permitting device104 to be clipped to and retained within a pocket or to another thinelement that fits between the major portion of housing 12 and the clip.Clip 105 can be integrally molded with housing 12.

[0062]FIG. 13 is another conceptual view of a housing for an automatedinjection device as shown in FIG. 1. Automated injection device 110 ofFIG. 13 conforms substantially to device 92 of FIG. 11. Instead ofattachment wings 98, 100 for attachment to a device, however, device 110includes a substantially planar clip 114 that extends outward from andsubstantially parallel to platform 115. Clip 114 can be integrallymolded with platform 114, and may include planar arm 116 that extendsalong the width of the platform and defines a slot 118 for receipt ofthe flap of a pocket or some other thin element. Platform 115 mayconform to the width of a credit card, and thereby promote convenienceand portability for the user.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, FIG. 14A shows anexploded view of an automated injection device of FIG. 1 having awireless communication apparatus 220. As shown in FIG. 14A, theautomated injection device 200 is configured to have arounded-rectangular shape, although the injection device 200 issusceptible to a number of different configurations. The wirelesscommunication apparatus 220 is used to call for additional medicalassistance when the automated injection device 200 is deployed. After aliquid medicament, such as epinephrine, is injected into the user, theuser often requires additional medical care and transportation to amedical center. Users with life threatening allergies or other medicalailments may be physically unable to retrieve help, or an accompanyingperson may not be informed sufficiently to retrieve additional medicalassistance. Furthermore, the user or accompanying person may not be ableto provide accurate location information when calling for medicalassistance.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, the wireless communication apparatus220 includes a flex circuit 222 having a first major surface 223 and asecond major surface 226. A power source 232 (FIG. 14A), such as abattery, is mounted to a portion 224 of the first major surface 223.Additionally, electronic circuits 231 (FIG. 14B) are mounted to anotherportion 225 of the first major surface 223, wherein the circuits 231 mayinclude a transmitter circuit, a GPS (global positioning system)circuit, and electrical components, such as resistors or capacitors. Thefirst major surface 223 is affixed to an outer surface 205 of thehousing 12 such that the electrical circuits 231 and the power source232 are positioned between the flex circuit 222 and the housing 12. Anantenna 234 for the wireless transmitter may be formed from coppertraces on the second major surface 226 of the flex circuit 222, and theflex circuit 222 may also include a slender tail 228 with a conductivepad 230 on each side of the tail 228. In preferred embodiments, thehousing 12 of the automated injection device is formed with a cavity202, which matches the shape of the flex circuit 222 when the flexcircuit 222 is affixed to the housing 12. A second cavity 204 may belocated within the first cavity 202 to provide a space for theelectronic circuits 231 on the first major surface 223 when the flexcircuit 222 is affixed. A small slit (not shown in FIGS. 14A-14B) in thehousing 12 is provided so that the tail 228 of the flex circuit 222 maybe inserted into the housing 12 of the automated injection device 200.

[0065]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the flex circuit 222 affixedto the automated injection device 200 from FIG. 14A, and FIG. 16 showsthe automated injection device 200 with a protective film 236 affixedover the flex circuit 222. The first major surface 223 of the flexcircuit may be affixed to the housing 12 using a pressure sensitiveadhesive, and the tail 28 (not shown in FIG. 15) is inserted into thehousing 12, as described later. The flex circuit 222 may have aprotective film 236 (FIG. 16) affixed to the second major surface 226 ofthe flex circuit 222 and a portion 206 of the outer surface of thehousing 12 to shelter the wireless communication apparatus 220 from anyhandling or environmental hazards. The protective film 236 may beaffixed using a pressure sensitive adhesive and also covers the slitwhere the tail 228 is inserted into the housing 12.

[0066] The transmitter circuit of wireless communication apparatus 220may include at least one transmitter or transceiver that is capable ofsending signals that conform to a conventional standard known asBluetooth. The Bluetooth transmitter is a short-range transmitter thatis capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attemptingto call an emergency service, such as a 911-emergency call. For example,the Bluetooth transmitter may use the nearby cellular phone for E-911service in the United States, which is a known federal mandate thatallows emergency 911 calls from cellular phones to connect directly withan emergency service without the cellular service provider checking foravailable credit or validation. The transmitter circuit may also includea conventional memory chip, such as a PROM, that can storeidentification information or a message requesting help, which would betransmitted to the emergency service. The identification information maybe used by the emergency service to determine the type of emergencysituation. The GPS circuit mounted to the flex circuit includes aconventional GPS chip, which may be activated to communicate with aglobal positioning satellite system to retrieve location information ofthe user. The location information is then transmitted to the emergencyservice using the transmitter circuit.

[0067]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the automated injection device200 from FIG. 14A with sections removed to better view the tail 228 ofthe flex circuit 222 positioned inside the housing 12. The wirelesscommunication apparatus 220 is activated when the user deploys theautomated injection device 200. One example of how the wirelesscommunication apparatus 220 may be activated is to provide power to thetransmitter circuit when the needle 32 (FIGS. 5-9) is pushed through theaperture 76 (FIGS. 5-9) of the load member 38. As shown in FIG. 17, thetail 228 of the flex circuit 222 is routed into a small opening 238 inthe load member 38 such that the conductive pads 230 (not shown in FIG.17) of the tail 228 are in the path of the needle 32. When the injectiondevice 200 is deployed, the needle 32 is pushed through the aperture 76and also through the conductive pad 230 on each side of the tail 228.The needle 32 electrically connects the conductive pads 230 of the tail228 to close the power circuit and activate the transmitter circuit andthe GPS circuit. This is but one illustration of how to activate thewireless communication apparatus 220 when the injection device 200 isdeployed, and other modes of activation are within the scope of theinvention.

[0068]FIG. 18 shows a process of events that enables the user to receiveemergency medical care after the automated injection device 200 of FIG.14A is deployed. The user may be a hypersensitive individual thatcarries 250 the automated injection device 200 for emergency situations.If the individual is exposed 252 to a trigger, such as a bee sting, thatcauses an allergic reaction, the individual experiences acuteanaphylaxis 254 and enters anaphylactic shock. The user deploys 256 theautomated injection device 200 containing epinephrine to treat theanaphylactic shock by pushing the loading member 38 against theindividual, thereby compressing the spring 36. When the injection device200 is deployed, the epinephrine is injected 258 into the individual,and the individual waits 260 for the medicament to treat theanaphylactic shock.

[0069] The automated injection device 200 also activates 262 theBluetooth transmitter and the GPS chip when the injection device isdeployed. As previously described, the GPS chip communicates with aglobal positioning satellite system to retrieve the location of theindividual, and the Bluetooth transmitter uses 266 the E-911 service ofa cellular phone for communication 268 with a central server 911-commandcenter. The central server 911-command center receives the location andidentification information during the communication with the cellularphone, and the command center may access 270 a brief medical history ofindividual with the identification information. The command center mayconfirm 274 to the individual that an EMS (emergency medical service)will arrive to provide medical assistance, and the individual may cancel276 the arrival of the EMS if the deployment of the injection device wasaccidental. The command center notifies 272 the local EMS of the medicalemergency and the location information of the individual, and the EMSarrives at the location of the waiting individual. The individualreceives 278 medical assistance from the EMS and is transported to amedical center. Medical care is provided 280 to the individual, and theindividual is eventually released 282 from the medical center andcarries 250 a new automated injection device 200.

[0070] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An automated injection device comprising: a reservoir; a needle influid communication with the reservoir; a piston member with a pistonface positioned within the reservoir; a spring adjacent the pistonmember; and a loading member that is movable to compress the spring, theloading member permitting the spring to expand following compression,whereby the expanding spring drives the piston member such that thepiston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of thereservoir through the needle.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein theloading member is oriented to drive the piston member to compress thespring, the loading member permitting movement of the piston member awayfrom the spring after the spring has been compressed to a predetermineddegree.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the loading member has aflared lip that flares radially outward and defines an aperture that isinitially sized smaller than the piston member such that the flared lipof the loading member bears against the piston member during compressionof the spring, the flared lip extending outward as the spring reachesthe predetermined degree of compression to thereby expand the apertureand permit receipt within the aperture of a portion of the pistonmember.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the piston member defines aramped lip for engagement with the flared lip.
 5. The device of claim 2,wherein the piston member defines a channel and the reservoir isslidably mounted within the channel, the device further comprising astop member that limits movement of the reservoir when the expandingspring drives the piston member such that continued movement of thepiston member following abutment of the reservoir with the stop membercauses the piston face to move through the reservoir and expel thecontents of the reservoir through the needle.
 6. The device of claim 5,wherein the stop member is formed within the aperture defined by theloading member.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the aperture definesan annular recess that circumscribes a raised circular wall, the raisedcircular wall forming the stop member.
 8. The device of claim 3, furthercomprising a housing defining a channel having a narrowed portion and awidened portion for movement of the loading member, wherein the loadingmember includes an outer wall with a flared lip that extends radiallyoutward and is generally biased inward by interaction with the narrowedportion of the channel, the flared lip extending outward upon movementof the ramped lip into the widened portion of the channel, therebylocking the loading member against a return into the narrowed portion ofthe channel after the spring is compressed.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein the piston member defines a channel and the reservoir isslidably mounted within the channel, the device further comprising astop member that limits movement of the reservoir when the expandingspring drives the piston member such that continued movement of thepiston member following abutment of the reservoir with the stop membercauses the piston face to move through the reservoir and expel thecontents of the reservoir through the needle.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein the reservoir frictionally engages an inner surface of thechannel and, upon abutment of the reservoir with the stop member, thespring force exerted on the piston member overcomes force generated bythe frictional engagement of the reservoir and the inner surface of thechannel to permit relative movement of the piston member and thereservoir.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the injection needle isoriented to protrude through the loading member, the device furthercomprising a removable cap that covers a portion of the loading member.12. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading member is oriented tocompress the spring upon application of the loading member to a patient.13. The device of claim 1, wherein the spring is normally in asubstantially non-compressed state prior to movement of the loadingmember.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the loadingmember extends outward from the device for engagement with the skin of apatient.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir containsepinephrine.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir and theneedle are mounted to travel with the piston member to a limited extent.17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a protective sheath thatcovers a portion of the needle, the needle puncturing the protectivesheath when the expanding spring drives the piston member.
 18. Thedevice of claim 16, wherein the spring force generated by the spring issufficient to drive the needle through the skin of a patient.
 19. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication apparatusaffixed to the automated injection device, wherein the wirelesscommunication apparatus is activated to call for additional medicalassistance when the automated injection device is deployed.
 20. Thedevice of claim 19, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, uponactivation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone andattempting to call an emergency service.
 21. The device of claim 1,wherein the loading member, the spring, the piston member, and thereservoir are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and portions ofthe loading member, the piston member, and the reservoir longitudinallyoverlap with one another during expansion of the spring.
 22. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the device is less than approximately three inchesin length, and less than approximately two inches in both width and indepth.
 23. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading member and thepiston member are formed from plastic materials.
 24. An automatedinjection device comprising: a housing having a first end and a secondend, the housing defining an opening at the second end; a piston memberslidably mounted within the housing; a reservoir slidably mounted withinthe piston member; a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir; apiston mounted within the piston member with a piston face positionedwithin the reservoir; a spring that bears against the piston member on aside of the piston member adjacent the first end of the housing; and aloading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first endof the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the pistonmember and the loading member are configured to permit relative movementof the piston member and the loading member following compression of thespring, and the loading member defines a stop member that limits travelof the reservoir toward the second end of the chamber, whereby thespring drives the piston member relative to the loading member andtoward the second end of the housing, and the piston member drives thereservoir against the stop member such that continued movement of thepiston member relative to the reservoir drives the piston face throughthe reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through theneedle.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member has aflared lip that flares radially outward and defines an aperture that isinitially sized smaller than the piston member such that the flared lipof the loading member bears against the piston member during compressionof the spring, the flared lip extending radially outward as the springreaches a predetermined degree of compression to thereby expand theaperture and permit receipt within the aperture of a portion of thepiston member.
 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the piston memberdefines a ramped lip for engagement with the flared lip.
 27. The deviceof claim 25, wherein the aperture defines an annular recess thatcircumscribes a raised circular wall, the raised circular wall formingthe stop member.
 28. The device of claim 24, wherein the housing definesa channel having a narrowed portion and a widened portion for movementof the loading member, wherein the loading member includes an outer wallwith a flared lip that extends radially outward and is generally biasedinward by interaction with the narrowed portion of the channel, theflared lip extending outward upon movement of the flared lip into thewidened portion of the channel, thereby locking the loading memberagainst a return into the narrowed portion of the channel after thespring is compressed.
 29. The device of claim 24, wherein the reservoirfrictionally engages an inner surface of the channel within the pistonmember and, upon abutment of the reservoir with the stop member, thespring force exerted on the piston member overcomes force generated bythe frictional engagement of the reservoir and the inner surface of thechannel to permit relative movement of the piston member and thereservoir.
 30. The device of claim 24, wherein the injection needle isoriented to protrude through the loading member, the device furthercomprising a removable cap that covers a portion of the loading member.31. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member is oriented tocompress the spring upon application of the loading member to a patient.32. The device of claim 24, wherein the spring is normally in asubstantially non-compressed state prior to movement of the loadingmember.
 33. The device of claim 24, wherein a portion of the loadingmember extends outward from the device for engagement with the skin of apatient.
 34. The device of claim 24, wherein the reservoir containsepinephrine.
 35. The device of claim 24, further comprising a protectivesheath that covers a portion of the needle, the needle puncturing theprotective sheath when the expanding spring drives the piston member.36. The device of claim 24, wherein the spring force generated by thespring is sufficient to drive the needle through the skin of a patient.37. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member, the spring, thepiston member, and the reservoir are aligned along a common longitudinalaxis, and portions of the loading member, the piston member, and thereservoir longitudinally overlap with one another during expansion ofthe spring.
 38. The device of claim 24, wherein the device is less thanapproximately 3 inches in length, and less than approximately 2 inchesin both width and in depth.
 39. The device of claim 24, wherein theloading member and the piston member are formed from plastic materials.40. The device of claim 24, further comprising a wireless communicationapparatus affixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communicationapparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance whenthe automated injection device is deployed.
 41. The device of claim 40,wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, iscapable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting tocall an emergency service.
 42. A method for injection of a liquidmedicament using a device having a reservoir, a needle in fluidcommunication with the reservoir, a piston member with a piston facepositioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the pistonmember, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member tocompress the spring, the piston member and the loading member beingconfigured to permit relative movement when the compressed springreaches a sufficient level of spring force, wherein a portion of theloading member extends outward from the device, the method comprising:pushing the loading member against a patient to drive the loading memberinto the device and toward the piston member, thereby compressing thespring, wherein the spring expands to drive the piston member relativeto the loading member and extend the needle outward from the device anddrive the piston face to expel the contents of the reservoir through theneedle.
 43. A method for injection of a liquid medicament using a devicehaving a housing having a first end and a second end, the housingdefining an opening at the second end, a piston member slidably mountedwithin the housing, a reservoir slidably mounted within the pistonmember, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a pistonmounted within the piston member with a piston face positioned withinthe reservoir, a spring that bears against the piston member on a sideof the piston member adjacent the first end of the housing, and aloading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first endof the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the pistonmember and the loading member are configured to permit relative movementwhen the compressed spring reaches a sufficient level of spring force,the loading member defines a stop member that limits travel of thereservoir toward the second end of the chamber, and a portion of theloading member extends outward from the opening, the method comprising:pushing the loading member against a patient to drive the loading memberinto the device and toward the piston member, thereby compressing thespring, wherein the spring expands to drive the piston member relativeto the loading member and extend the needle outward from the opening anddrive the piston face to expel the contents of the reservoir through theneedle.
 44. An automated injection device comprising: a reservoir; aneedle in fluid communication with the reservoir; a piston member with apiston face positioned within the reservoir; a spring adjacent thepiston member; and a loading member that is movable to compress thespring and permit the spring to expand following compression, theexpanding spring driving the piston member such that the piston facemoves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoirthrough the needle, wherein the piston member and the reservoirpartially overlap along a longitudinal extent of the device and aresized such that the device has a length of less than or equal toapproximately 3.0 inches and a width of less than or equal toapproximately 2.0 inches.
 45. The device of claim 44, wherein the devicehas a length in the range of approximately 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches, anda width in the range of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches.
 46. The deviceof claim 44, wherein the device has a length of approximately 2.75inches, and a width of approximately 1.25 inches.
 47. The device ofclaim 44, wherein the device is substantially cylindrical and the widthcorresponds to a diameter of the device.
 48. The device of claim 44,further comprising a ring extending from the device for receipt of atleast one of a keyring, a key, a necklace, a chain, and a strap.
 49. Thedevice of claim 44, further comprising a substantially planar platformcoupled to the device, the platform including attachment wings forclipping the platform to another device.
 50. The device of claim 49,wherein the other device is one of a PDA and a mobile telephone.
 51. Thedevice of claim 49, further comprising a substantially planar platformcoupled to the device, the platform including a clip-like member forattachment of the platform to a thin sheet-like member.
 52. The deviceof claim 44, further comprising a wireless communication apparatusaffixed to the automated injection device, wherein the wirelesscommunication apparatus is activated to call for additional medicalassistance when the automated injection device is deployed.
 53. Thedevice of claim 52, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, uponactivation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone andattempting to call an emergency service.
 54. A wireless-enabledinjection device comprising: an automated injection device having ahousing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, and a needle influid communication with the reservoir; and a wireless communicationapparatus affixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communicationapparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance whenthe automated injection device is deployed.
 55. The device of claim 54,wherein the reservoir contains epinephrine.
 56. The device of claim 54,wherein the device is less than approximately three inches in length,and less than approximately two inches in both width and in depth. 57.The device of claim 54, wherein the automated injection device furthercomprises a piston member with a piston face positioned within thereservoir, a spring adjacent the piston member, and a loading memberthat is movable to compress the spring, the loading member permittingthe spring to expand following compression, whereby the expanding springdrives the piston member such that the piston face moves within thereservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.58. The device of claim 57, wherein the injection needle is oriented toprotrude through the loading member, the device further comprising aremovable cap that covers a portion of the loading member.
 59. Thedevice of claim 57, wherein the loading member, the spring, the pistonmember, and the reservoir are aligned along a common longitudinal axis,and portions of the loading member, the piston member, and the reservoirlongitudinally overlap with one another during expansion of the spring.60. The device of claim 54, wherein the wireless communication apparatusfurther comprises a transmitter circuit mounted to a flex circuit. 61.The device of claim 60, further comprising a protective film affixed tothe flex circuit to shelter the flex circuit from environmental andhandling hazards.
 62. The device of claim 60, wherein the transmittercircuit is capable of sending a signal that conforms to Bluetoothstandards.
 63. The device of claim 60, wherein the transmitter circuit,upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellularphone and attempting to call an emergency service.
 64. The device ofclaim 60, wherein the wireless communication apparatus further comprisesa GPS circuit that, upon activation, retrieves location information ofthe device from a global positioning satellite system.
 65. The device ofclaim 60, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a tail that is routedinside the housing and in the path of the needle such that whenautomated injection device is deployed, the needle is passes through thetail and electrically connects conductive pads of the tail to activatethe wireless communication apparatus.
 66. A method for injection of aliquid medicament using a wireless-enabled injection device, the methodcomprising: providing an automated injection device having a housing, areservoir positioned inside the housing, a needle in fluid communicationwith the reservoir, and a wireless communication apparatus affixed tothe housing; deploying the automated injection device to expel thecontents of the reservoir through the needle; and activating thewireless communication apparatus to transmit a signal when the automatedinjection device is deployed; wherein the signal from the wirelesscommunication apparatus is used to call for medical assistance.
 67. Themethod of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus furthercomprises a transmitter circuit that transmits the signal to call formedical assistance.
 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the transmittercircuit of the wireless communication apparatus is capable oftransmitting a signal that conforms to Bluetooth standards.
 69. Themethod of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, uponactivation, communicates with a nearby cellular phone and attempts tocall an emergency service.
 70. The method of claim 66, wherein thewireless communication apparatus further comprises a GPS circuit that,upon activation, retrieves location information of the automatedinjection device from a global positioning satellite system.
 71. Themethod of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus furthercomprises a flexible circuit having a tail that is routed inside thehousing and in the path of the needle such that when automated injectiondevice is deployed, the needle is passes through the tail to activatethe wireless communication apparatus.
 72. An automated injection devicecomprising: a reservoir; a needle in fluid communication with thereservoir; a piston member with a piston face positioned within thereservoir; a spring adjacent the piston member; a loading member that ismovable to compress the spring, the loading member permitting the springto expand following compression, whereby the expanding spring drives thepiston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir andexpels the contents of the reservoir through the needle; and a wirelesscommunication apparatus affixed to the automated injection device,wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call foradditional medical assistance when the automated injection device isdeployed.
 73. The device of claim 72, wherein the wireless communicationapparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearbycellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.
 74. Anautomated injection device comprising: a housing having a first end anda second end, the housing defining an opening at the second end; apiston member slidably mounted within the housing; a reservoir slidablymounted within the piston member; a needle in fluid communication withthe reservoir; a piston mounted within the piston member with a pistonface positioned within the reservoir; a spring that bears against thepiston member on a side of a piston member adjacent the first end of thehousing; and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member towardthe first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, whereinthe piston member and the loading member are configured to permitrelative movement of the piston member and the loading member followingcompression of the spring, and the loading member defines a stop memberthat limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of thechamber, whereby the spring drives the piston member relative to theloading member and toward the second end of the housing, and the pistonmember drives the reservoir against the stop member such that continuedmovement of the piston member relative to the reservoir drives thepiston face through the reservoir and expels the contents of thereservoir through the needle; and a wireless communication apparatusaffixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communication apparatus isactivated to call for additional medical assistance when the automatedinjection device is deployed.
 75. The device of claim 74, wherein thewireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable ofcommunicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call anemergency service.
 76. An automated injection device comprising: areservoir; a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir; a pistonmember with a piston face positioned within the reservoir; a springadjacent the piston member; a loading member that is movable to compressthe spring and permit the spring to expand following compression, theexpanding spring driving the piston member such that the piston facemoves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoirthrough the needle, wherein the piston member and the reservoirpartially overlap along a longitudinal extent of the device and aresized such that the device has a length of less than or equal toapproximately 3.0 inches and a width of less than or equal toapproximately 2.0 inches; and a wireless communication apparatus affixedto the automated injection device, wherein the wireless communicationapparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance whenthe automated injection device is deployed.
 77. The device of claim 76,wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, iscapable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting tocall an emergency service.